Kid job law does not sit well with some

BOISE (AP) — A new state law allowing public schools to employ children under age 14 didn’t sit well with some lunchroom and janitorial staffers who fear the measure that went into effect this month will place their jobs in jeopardy.

Republican Sen. Chuck Winder, of Boise, sponsored the legislation in the 2011 session.

But it was Democrats who were defending the new law at a forum last week.

State Rep. Roy Lacey of Pocatello says the measure wasn’t written to take jobs away from school lunchroom and janitorial workers, but to help kids who may be from low-income families and have a hard time accepting “handouts.”

The change allows students under age 14 to earn money for working up to 10 hours a week, with the consent of their legal guardian.

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Information from: Idaho State Journal, http://www.journalnet.com